Papenfuse retiring as state archivist

Edward C. Papenfuse, an Annapolis icon who has presided over the Maryland State Archives for almost 38 years, announced this week that he will retire as of Nov. 1.

Papenfuse, a leading authority on Maryland history, announced his intentions at Monday's meeting of the state Hall of Records Commission.

A decade into his tenure as state archivist and commissioner of land patents, the archives moved to the building it now occupies on Rowe Boulevard in Annapolis. In 2005, to commemorate Papenfuse's 30th anniversary in his job, the Board of Public Works named the building for him.

A white-bearded man with a jovial manner, Papenfuse has long been a familiar figure at Maryland historical commemorations and other public events.

In a statement, Gov. Martin O'Malley called Papenfuse "an outstanding and essential partner in telling the story of One Maryland."

Papenfuse, who will turn 70 the month before he retires, has worked for the state agency since 1973.